Earth and Fire Raku Pottery

Earth and Fire Raku Pottery Rika Franken Produces African themed Raku pottery after the ancient Japanese technique of cracking glaze, locally produced in Gaborone Botswana.

Raku is an ancient Japanese firing-technique, which Terra Cotta pottery in Botswana has Africanised in style. The firing technique involves manual removal of the red-hot pottery from the kiln at specific temperatures and submerging it in different organic materials, like leafs, dung or sawdust. This temperature shock produces fine cracks in the surface-glaze and the smouldering organic smoke penetrates deep into these cracks, producing most attractive, ancient looking irregular crackle effects. The shade of grey-black on the unglazed areas depends on the kind of material used, its temperature, colouring, moisture and the general weather when firing. Raku is a risky and uncomfortable way of firing, with high breakages, unexpected outcomes and health-risks for the artists due to the acrid fumes. The charm and fascination of this technique lies however in these surprise-effects, which gives the pottery its unique look. Our designs are mostly inspired by African life and nature with all its shapes and textures and are never exactly repeated twice. Firing large, narrow-necked, thin or flat pieces is very difficult due to the stress on the material during the severe temperature shock. Cracks that have occasionally penetrated through the actual clay body can be fixed by the medieval practice of allowing milk to sour in it (repeatedly if necessary) and then cleaning it before usage. This closes pores and fine cracks rendering the vessel waterproof. Terra Cotta pottery uses only lead free and food approved glazes (most are imported from Germany), and our pots can withstand domestic oven temperatures. Unglazed, smoked outer surfaces have been polished with clear wax. This can be repeated from time to time - if you wish- to keep up the smooth and lustrous appearance.

08/11/2025

Always...

earrings
05/11/2025

earrings

Chameleon mug
05/11/2025

Chameleon mug

Hippo salt spender
05/11/2025

Hippo salt spender

31/10/2025

come and support our small local producers and bring CASH, cash is king!

Send a message to learn more

31/10/2025

support our small producers and bring cash. CASH is king!!

Send a message to learn more

14/10/2025
Clay cheese
21/09/2025

Clay cheese

Fridge magnets
03/09/2025

Fridge magnets

More decorative plates
18/08/2025

More decorative plates

So enjoyed making sea creatures for a customer in Cape Town!
18/08/2025

So enjoyed making sea creatures for a customer in Cape Town!

An order of “peeping animal bowls” as corporate gifts
20/07/2025

An order of “peeping animal bowls” as corporate gifts

Address

Gaborone

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

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Our Story

Raku is an ancient Japanese firing-technique, which Terra Cotta pottery in Botswana has Africanised in style. The firing technique involves manual removal of the red-hot pottery from the kiln at specific temperatures and submerging it in different organic materials, like leafs, dung or sawdust. This temperature shock produces fine cracks in the surface-glaze and the smouldering organic smoke penetrates deep into these cracks, producing most attractive, ancient looking irregular crackle effects. The shade of grey-black on the unglazed areas depends on the kind of material used, its temperature, colouring, moisture and the general weather when firing. Raku is a risky and uncomfortable way of firing, with high breakages, unexpected outcomes and health-risks for the artists due to the acrid fumes. The charm and fascination of this technique lies however in these surprise-effects, which gives the pottery its unique look. Our designs are mostly inspired by African life and nature with all its shapes and textures and are never exactly repeated twice. Firing large, narrow-necked, thin or flat pieces is very difficult due to the stress on the material during the severe temperature shock. Cracks that have occasionally penetrated through the actual clay body can be fixed by the medieval practice of allowing milk to sour in it (repeatedly if necessary) and then cleaning it before usage. This closes pores and fine cracks rendering the vessel waterproof. Terra Cotta pottery uses only lead free and food approved glazes (most are imported from Germany), and our pots can withstand domestic oven temperatures. Unglazed, smoked outer surfaces have been polished with clear wax. This can be repeated from time to time - if you wish- to keep up the smooth and lustrous appearance.